Japan offers one of the world’s safest maternity care systems, and support begins very early in pregnancy. From confirming your pregnancy at a clinic to registering it at city hall, there are several required steps. The process may feel new or confusing at first, but it is quite simple once you know what to expect.
This article explains the first things you should do, what documents you need, and how to access support as a foreign or multicultural family living in Japan.
- Confirming Pregnancy
- Registering Pregnancy at City Hall
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook
- Free Coupons for Prenatal Checkups
- A postcard to Notify the Baby’s Birth
- Home Visits for Expectant Mothers
- Useful Links & Next Step
1. Confirming Pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests are widely available at pharmacies and drugstores in Japan. If the test is positive – or if you strongly suspect pregnancy – the next step is to visit an obstetrics and gynecology clinic (産婦人科).
At the clinic, the doctor will usually:
- perform a urine test and/or ultrasound
- confirm whether you are pregnant
- estimate your due date
- check that the pregnancy is in the uterus (not ectopic)
- later, issue a pregnancy certificate (妊娠証明書)
The pregnancy certificate is usually issued after the baby’s heartbeat is confirmed, often around 6-9 weeks of pregnancy. You will need this certificate to register your pregnancy at city hall.
Costs at the clinic
Early pregnancy checkups are not covered by national health insurance.Typical cost per visit: ¥3,000-¥10,000, depending on the clinic and tests (such as ultrasound and blood tests).
If you plan to give birth in Japan, this is also a good moment to:
- confirm that your residence visa is valid
- check your health insurance status
2. Registering Pregnancy at City Hall
Once your pregnancy is medically confirmed and you have the certificate, the next step is to register it at your city hall.
Go to the counter for Maternal and Child Health (母子健康手帳). Staff will guide you through the procedure.
What to bring
- pregnancy certificate (妊娠証明書)
- residence card
- My Number card (if available)
- basic personal information (address, phone number, due date)
What happens at the counter
- You fill in a short registration form.
- You submit the pregnancy certificate.
- Staff confirm your contact details and due date.
- You receive several important items and explanations.
What you receive
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳)
- Coupon booklet for prenatal and postnatal checkups
- Vaccination pre-check forms for after the baby is born
- A postcard or form to notify the baby’s birth
- Information about home visits, parenting classes, and local support services
Many city halls provide English leaflets or interpreter support. Do not hesitate to ask.
3. Maternal and Child Health Handbook
The Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳) is one of the most important documents for pregnancy and early childhood in Japan.
It records:
- pregnancy checkups
- test results and ultrasound notes
- labor and delivery information
- your child’s growth from birth to around age 6
- vaccinations and regular health checkups
You should bring it whenever you:
- go to a pregnancy checkup
- give birth at a hospital or a birth center
- take your baby to health checkups
- receive vaccinations or visit a doctor for your child
4. Free Coupons for Prenatal Checkups
In Japan, normal pregnancy and delivery are not covered by national health insurance. To reduce the cost, each municipality provides coupon tickets for prenatal checkups.
These coupons usually cover around 14 checkups from early pregnancy until birth.
Coupons typically help pay for:
- doctor’s consultation
- urine and blood tests
- ultrasound scans
- infection screening
You present the coupon at the clinic when you pay. Part of the fee is covered by the coupon, and you pay the remainder yourself. Coverage and amounts differ by city.
In addition to doctors, pregnant women can receive support from midwives and public health nurses.
5. A Postcard to Notify the Baby’s Birth
When you receive your Maternal and Child Health Handbook, you will also receive a birth notification postcard addressed to your local health center.
After your baby is born:
- Fill in the required information.
- Mail it to the health center (no stamp needed in most municipalities).
- A public health nurse will review it and contact you to arrange a home visit for newborn support.
This postcard helps the city schedule services such as newborn checkups, breastfeeding support, and guidance for new parents.
6. Home Visits for Expectant Mothers
Many municipalities offer home-visit support during pregnancy.
A public health nurse or midwife visits your home to:
- provide advice on pregnancy and daily care
- check your physical and emotional condition
- answer questions about birth preparation
- explain local support services
- offer guidance on raising your baby in Japan
You will usually receive a call or letter from the city to schedule this visit.
Language Support for Foreign Residents
Some cities provide interpreter dispatch or multilingual support for maternity care and home visits.
Examples:
- Kyoto City: Interpreter dispatches for foreign parents through Kyoto International Community House
- Yokohama City, Minoh City (Osaka), and others offer similar interpreter programs.
To check what is available in your area, contact:
- your city hall’s Maternal & Child Health Division
- your local international association
- your multicultural support center
They can tell you whether interpreter dispatch, home-visit support, or multilingual consultation is available.
7. Useful Links & Next Step
If you want to feel more prepared for future fevers, download our full Guide (printable) from below!
Useful Links (Official & Trusted)
- Mother’s Tree Japan Official LINE
Multilingual support via official LINE account. Families can consult pediatricians and midwives directly in 13 languages. - Maternal & Child Health Interpreter Consultation (SHARE)
Multilingual support for communicating at clinics and hospitals. - AMDA Medical Information Center
Helps you find clinics and hospitals with foreign-language support